READY TO BE A BIG?
Children cannot control the situation into which they are born. Sometimes, circumstances do not allow a child’s abilities to flourish, but that does not mean they lack potential.
Thousands of kids in our community have great potential – the potential to graduate high school, go to college, get a job, provide for themselves and their families, realize their dreams, and be impactful members of their community. What they may be lacking is someone to defend their potential. That someone may be a Big Brother or Big Sister. That someone may be YOU!
As a Big, you can step up to defend their potential through Community-Based or Site-Based Mentoring.
Community-based mentoring allows Bigs and Littles to explore the local community and share fun activities they enjoy. Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends, while others meet in the evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them.
Site-based mentoring allows you to meet with your Little once a week at their school or Boys & Girls Club to help with homework, play games, share lunch, and build friendships.
Thousands of kids in our community have great potential – the potential to graduate high school, go to college, get a job, provide for themselves and their families, realize their dreams, and be impactful members of their community. What they may be lacking is someone to defend their potential. That someone may be a Big Brother or Big Sister. That someone may be YOU!
As a Big, you can step up to defend their potential through Community-Based or Site-Based Mentoring.
Community-based mentoring allows Bigs and Littles to explore the local community and share fun activities they enjoy. Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends, while others meet in the evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them.
Site-based mentoring allows you to meet with your Little once a week at their school or Boys & Girls Club to help with homework, play games, share lunch, and build friendships.
PROCESS TO BECOME A BIG
All Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati volunteers go through a screening process to help create safe, meaningful, and lasting relationships. The application and enrollment process usually takes 4-6 weeks to complete. Bigs are matched with Littles based on preferences and mutual interests. Once matched, trained Match Support Specialists provide ongoing support during your mentoring relationship.
STEP 1: APPLICATION
Complete the online application here. Once you submit your application, a BBBS representative will call you to schedule an in-person interview.
Complete the online application here. Once you submit your application, a BBBS representative will call you to schedule an in-person interview.
STEP 2: ORIENTATION & INTERVIEW
At your interview, you will have a brief orientation and overview of the services offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Afterward, your Match Enrollment Specialist will ask questions to get to know you better. It allows BBBSGC to make a match that takes into account your interests, background, and personality.
At your interview, you will have a brief orientation and overview of the services offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Afterward, your Match Enrollment Specialist will ask questions to get to know you better. It allows BBBSGC to make a match that takes into account your interests, background, and personality.
STEP 3: IN-DEPTH SCREENING & MATCH
At your interview, you need a copy of your driver’s license and a printed statement of your auto insurance liability coverage. BBBSGC will run your fingerprints and conduct a Level II national background check on you; child safety is our number one priority!
Once your background comes back clear and your Match Enrollment Specialist makes a final recommendation for acceptance, you become a Big ready to be matched. Your Match Enrollment Specialist will use the information you provided to recommend a Little.
At your interview, you need a copy of your driver’s license and a printed statement of your auto insurance liability coverage. BBBSGC will run your fingerprints and conduct a Level II national background check on you; child safety is our number one priority!
Once your background comes back clear and your Match Enrollment Specialist makes a final recommendation for acceptance, you become a Big ready to be matched. Your Match Enrollment Specialist will use the information you provided to recommend a Little.
STEP 4: MATCH INTRODUCTION
For Community-Based mentoring, your Match Enrollment Specialist will schedule a time for you to meet your Little and your Little’s parent or guardian – an opportunity to start getting to know each other in a supported environment. At this time, you will also schedule your first outing with your Little.
For Community-Based mentoring, your Match Enrollment Specialist will schedule a time for you to meet your Little and your Little’s parent or guardian – an opportunity to start getting to know each other in a supported environment. At this time, you will also schedule your first outing with your Little.
STEP 5: ONGOING SUPPORT
Once you meet your Little, you can move forward with the mentoring relationship. For community-based mentoring, this means making plans to meet with your Little in the community. For site-based mentoring or School to Work, you will go to your Little’s school on a regular basis.
Your Match Support Specialist will provide ongoing support to make sure the relationship continues in a positive manner. When talking to your Match Support Specialist, feel free to share successes with your Little! It is also important to voice any concerns you may have to allow your Match Support Specialist to make recommendations or take action to fix any issues; this allows for a lasting, fun, and impactful relationship between you and your Little.
Once you meet your Little, you can move forward with the mentoring relationship. For community-based mentoring, this means making plans to meet with your Little in the community. For site-based mentoring or School to Work, you will go to your Little’s school on a regular basis.
Your Match Support Specialist will provide ongoing support to make sure the relationship continues in a positive manner. When talking to your Match Support Specialist, feel free to share successes with your Little! It is also important to voice any concerns you may have to allow your Match Support Specialist to make recommendations or take action to fix any issues; this allows for a lasting, fun, and impactful relationship between you and your Little.
